Stick to marketing yourself, Karua tells Kalonzo

Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua speaking during the 70th anniversary of Maendeleo ya Wanawake in Kisumu on May 12, 2022. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has urged her Wiper Party counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka to focus on campaigning for himself and leave the decision on who will be Azimio's presidential candidate to voters.

Her remarks come after Kalonzo was quoted in a local daily claiming that Karua lacks what it takes to run for presidency.

In a post on X, Karua wrote: "My unsolicited advice to my brother Kalonzo Musyoka is to focus on marketing himself and leave the decision of who is best to the voters."

This is not the first time the two have publically engaged in a disagreement on who is the right candidate to succeed Raila Odinga if appointed African Union's chairperson.

Musyoka has been stepping up as the coalition's voice and face, challenging the government's policies, even as he has held rallies to popularise his presidential bid.

He has also been keen on criticising Karua's moves, including the formation of Kamwene, a political group belonging to Mt.Kenya leaders who are in the opposition.

Karua, on the other hand, despite her absence in Azimio's meetings and political rallies, maintains that she is still a member of Azimio and is equally capable of succeeding Raila Odinga.

The two are not the only ones eying to take the mantle from Odinga.

Other aspirants, including the former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, have come out to express his intent to become the next opposition leader.

Odinga's imminent exit is opening up the field in his Azimio coalition, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, and his Nyanza backyard.

However, he has remained silent and is yet to endorse anyone for any of the positions.